What does mentoring look like for a church? How can it be intentional and organic? We will be sharing about a pilot project that is currently underway, as well as new, soon-to-be released material on “How to Mentor!”

Carol Lund is a Christian visionary, leader, and mentor but also a wife, mother, and grandmother. As the former Director of Bridging the Gap for 25 years, she has been a catalyst for ministry to women across Minnesota, as well as an inspiration and mentor to women’s ministry leaders outside of this state. She walks out what she has learned: that God’s Word will mix with life’s experience to create the wisdom needed for living.

Cheryl and Denny Curran are lead pastors of River of Life (ROL) Church in Coldspring, MN. Cheryl’s leadership with women’s ministry touches hundreds of women within their church and community, especially during the annual River of Life “White Christmas” event every December. Cheryl loves being a mom, grandma, and cheering on her grandkids in their extracurricular activities.

Abby Olson is a wife of 26 years, a mother of four girls, and has served in ministry for 24 years with her husband, Jeff. They are currently on staff at The Waters Church in central MN. Abby oversees a mentoring connection for women called Becoming Her, and she’s passionate about women’s faith growing as they intentionally do life together.

You may have heard about 75 HARD, a “transformative mental toughness program” that “can permanently change your life” if you follow five rules for 75 days straight. The idea of committing to spiritual health in a sustainable way intrigued Pamela Steinle, so she began experimenting with a transformative spiritual health program, 75 SOLID, based on Matthew 7:24.

This session will go beyond superficial and temporary motivation. Instead, it will facilitate group discussion around practical strategies busy leaders can implement in their lives to experience spiritual transformation. In this program, there’s plenty of grace for imperfect progress!

Through a variety of life experiences, including delivering announcements at CenterPoint Church in south-central Minnesota, presenting at professional and leadership conferences, and attaining a law degree and Master’s of Education, Pamela Steinle is equipped to speak, teach, and encourage. Passion areas include integration of Truth in our daily lives; living an intentional life; growing families through adoption; and being our authentic, broken selves.

Learn more about Pam on social media @steinlegrace.

Do you carry burdens you would like to leave behind? Do you ever wonder why you can’t get completely free from the hard emotions and painful memories of past events, even when you’ve done your best to forgive the offenders in your life? Do you find yourself carrying baggage from past wounds into new situations, or do you have triggers that set you off?

Jesus paid a high price for us to experience complete freedom from oppression and live unburdened lives. Come learn how to live an unoffendable life–without having to grow thicker skin–and to utilize God’s powerful currency of Mercy to transact business in the heavenly courts. You will learn how to live at a level of freedom and authentic peace that most people only dream they could enjoy!

Melissa Coleman has been practicing law for 26 years, and currently serves as the Senior Principal and CEO of Coleman Law & Consulting, a Twin Cities based firm specializing in serving churches, faith-based organizations and small to mid-sized businesses. Coleman is recognized for her extensive work in advancing human rights in both domestic and international arenas, as well as for advocating for the rights of citizens to freely exercise their religious beliefs in their public and professional lives. Coleman and a small team of lawyers launched a nonprofit network of faith-based attorneys in her state, and she has served and continues to serve on numerous boards and advocacy teams. Coleman and her husband of 26 years have three adult and two teen kids. What Coleman loves most in life is helping people get free and stay free!

Science confirms your quality of life depends on your mood. Our thoughts—real or imagined—influence feelings and shape behaviors. This session will provide practical keys to identify and break unhealthy mindsets by utilizing cognitive, behavioral, and spiritual strategies based upon biblical principles. There are things you can do improve your mood and quality life.

Dr. Edna is a wife, mother, grandmother, pastor’s wife, and is currently employed full-time at Nystrom & Associates, Ltd. as a mental health practitioner. She provides mental health services to diverse populations from various social economic statuses.

We all desire to lead effectively, so let’s explore how Christ focused self-leadership creates the foundation for leading others well. In this session we will discuss the importance of emotional health, soul care, and spiritual growth, and consider how these things impact our leadership.

Melissa is a wife and also a mom to five amazing kids. She is a pastor and works with a local non-profit to help equip local believers in extending welcome. She enjoys learning new things, reading, and taking walks by the ocean.

Identifying and understanding your leadership style is crucial for achieving success as a leader. In a world that constantly dictates who we should be, how to be, and what to be, it’s essential to ask ourselves: “Do we truly know who we are?” This workshop is designed to guide you through introspective conversations and exercises, helping you uncover your identity, values, and leadership principles.

By the end of the workshop, you will have a clear outline of your identity, values, and foundational leadership principles. Armed with this self-awareness, you’ll be well-equipped to elevate yourself to the next level as a leader or aspiring leader. Whether you’re an experienced leader or just starting out, this workshop is tailored to assist you in building or refining your personal leadership foundation.

Dolores Smith understands that life’s challenges can overwhelm each one of us even on our best day. Her “glass half-full optimism” spills over into her service as a Bridging the Gap advisor and in her career as a Learning and Development manager. Dolores’ motivating passion is to bring people together to discover and embrace all the joy life has to give.

Pastor Steph has more experience than she ever wanted in leading through times of chaos. Along the way, she has learned valuable lessons on how to keep putting one foot in front of the other when your whole world is shaking, yet you still need to lead! This session is for credentialed women and any woman who is the main leader of any organization.

Steph is the Chi Alpha Director at Winona State University and is a presbyter representing the Credentialed Female AG ministers in Minnesota.

After graduating from NCU Steph worked with her husband in 3 Minnesota churches in youth ministry and college/young adult for 19 years. In 2008, Steph re-started Chi Alpha at Winona State University. Steph continues to be the Director in Winona – leading students to a vibrant life in Christ and training up as many as desire to lead Bible Studies on campus.

Steph is married to Chuck who planted a separate AG church in Winona. They have three children Reid, Ellie, and Calvin and one absolutely adorable grandson, Hank.